Taunton man, son charged after alleged copper theft at E. Pole School

TAUNTON — A 50-year-old Taunton man and his son were arrested early Monday morning after allegedly breaking into the old Elizabeth Pole School and stealing copper wire and pipe fixtures.

Police charged Dennis Zani, 240 High St., with felony breaking and entering in the nighttime and receiving stolen property over $250. His 15-year-old son was arrested on the same charges.

Police said they received a call at 3:30 a.m. from a concerned citizen about two men carrying bags in the area of the former elementary school on County Street.

The empty, boarded-up site has been targeted by copper thieves numerous times since closing in 2010, police noted.

When police stopped the pair and discovered bags containing copper wire and fixtures, Zani allegedly at first claimed he had found the material in a Dumpster near the Aleixo Arena skating rink on Gordon Owen Riverway.

Upon further questioning, he admitted taking it from the school building, police said. Zani allegedly said he gained entry through an open window and also claimed his son was not involved in the theft.

There have been reports during the past three years of vandals painting graffiti on interior walls and occasionally trying to set fires inside the deteriorating building.

TAUNTON — A 50-year-old Taunton man and his son were arrested early Monday morning after allegedly breaking into the old Elizabeth Pole School and stealing copper wire and pipe fixtures.Police charged Dennis Zani, 240 High St., with felony breaking and entering in the nighttime and receiving stolen property over $250. His 15-year-old son was arrested on the same charges.Police said they received a call at 3:30 a.m. from a concerned citizen about two men carrying bags in the area of the former elementary school on County Street.The empty, boarded-up site has been targeted by copper thieves numerous times since closing in 2010, police noted.When police stopped the pair and discovered bags containing copper wire and fixtures, Zani allegedly at first claimed he had found the material in a Dumpster near the Aleixo Arena skating rink on Gordon Owen Riverway.Upon further questioning, he admitted taking it from the school building, police said. Zani allegedly said he gained entry through an open window and also claimed his son was not involved in the theft.There have been reports during the past three years of vandals painting graffiti on interior walls and occasionally trying to set fires inside the deteriorating building.